Measuring Flow: Refining Research Protocols That Integrate Physiological and Psychological Approaches

Abstract

Measuring flow, an optimal mental state defined by intense focus and immersion, can provide valuable insights into research on human engagement. However, a review of 69 studies identified significant methodological issues that could be undermining progress in this area of research. We discovered the use of eight nonvalidated psychological flow verification instruments (used in 33 studies), ambiguity and a lack of transparency in the interpretation and reporting of the verification results (36 studies), and a lack of screening of participants with only two studies screening for a disposition to experience a flow state. Additionally, despite the balance of challenge and skill being an essential precondition for inducing a flow state, 33 studies did not appropriately match flow-inducing activities to participant’s skill levels. These issues with measuring flow through self-assessment make it impossible to accurately validate hypothesised flow states using physiological approaches. To address these limitations, we propose a set of research protocol guidelines for integrating physiological and psychological measures to triangulate flow indicators. This provides a robust research framework that will allow the identification of physiological measures of flow that can provide a real-time objective alternative to subjective self-assessment instruments.